10 best high-yield business savings accounts for 2026

Key takeaways

• The national average interest rate for standard savings accounts remains stagnant at 0.38% APY, a baseline that forces US businesses to look toward online-only institutions and fintech treasury solutions to preserve the purchasing power of capital.¹

• When comparing high-yield business savings accounts, businesses should weigh the APY and the balance tier it applies to, monthly fees, withdrawal limits, and FDIC coverage.

• The best high-yield business savings accounts are Airwallex Yield, Axos Business Premium, Prime Alliance Bank, Live Oak Bank, and Grasshopper Bank. Airwallex Yield is the best high-yield savings account alternative for businesses that manage multi-currency cash flows.

The persistent gap between the federal funds rate and what "big banks" pay their depositors has turned passive cash management into a significant financial leak for modern enterprises. When a business's reserves sit in a legacy checking account earning 0.01%, the business effectively pays a "hidden tax" on liquidity that could otherwise fund operations or hedge against inflation. Successful finance leaders are moving away from static bank relationships in favor of integrated treasury products and business savings accounts that combine institutional-grade yields with the agility of a transactional account.

Airwallex publishes this article and offers Airwallex Yield, and this ranking scores Airwallex Yield against the same criteria as every other account listed.

Best high-yield business savings accounts and treasury accounts at a glance

Best high-yield business savings accounts

Finance teams are increasingly looking beyond basic savings to more sophisticated types of business accounts. This guide to the best high-yield business accounts highlights the leading options currently available.

Airwallex Yield

Our take

Airwallex Yield earns returns on idle USD for businesses that manage multi-currency cash flows. Airwallex Yield invests in a low-risk money market fund managed by J.P. Morgan Asset Management. Airwallex tiers returns by plan, with 3.45% on the Explore plan, 3.6% on the Grow plan, and up to 3.72% on the Accelerate plan.

Yield sits inside the same account that handles international payments, FX, and multi-currency payouts. Idle USD earns returns without moving between providers and funds generally settle back to cash balances in 1 to 2 business hours. Airwallex Yield is a money market fund, which means it is not a bank deposit or FDIC-insured.

Pros

• 1 to 2 business hour settlement times for rapid capital rotation

• Exposure to AAA-rated J.P. Morgan money market funds

• Native integration with 20+ currencies to avoid unnecessary FX conversion

• Real-time accounting sync with Xero for automated reconciliation

Cons

• The top 3.72% return requires the Accelerate plan, which uses custom pricing

• Yield is a money market fund. It carries SIPC protection through Airwallex Capital US LLC instead of FDIC insurance

• Yield earns returns on USD balances only

Best for digital tools: Axos Business Premium

Our take

Axos Business Premium Savings pays 3.5% APY on balances up to US$4,999,999.99, with no minimum opening deposit and no monthly maintenance fee.² New customers who open it with Basic Business Checking between October 1, 2026, and April 1, 2027, can earn a boosted 3.91% APY. The boost covers all balances for up to six months and requires a US$5,000 average daily checking balance.

Axos charges no fees for incoming domestic or international wires. It offers a direct, free QuickBooks integration for automated bookkeeping. For deposits beyond the standard FDIC limit, Axos provides access to the IntraFi Insured Cash Sweep (ICS) network, which extends coverage up to US$265 million.

Pros

• Free, native integration with QuickBooks for streamlined reporting

• No fees for domestic or international incoming wire transfers

• Significant FDIC coverage (up to US$265M) through the ICS network

• A 0.41% APY boost for six months for new customers who open both Business Premium Savings and Basic Business Checking and keep a US$5,000 average daily checking balance

Cons

• Balances of US$5 million or more need a relationship manager for a rate

• Variable APY that Axos can change as often as daily without prior notice

Best for large balances: Prime Alliance Bank

Our take

Prime Alliance Bank's Business Savings account pays a top rate of 3.9% APY on balances of US$200,000 or more.³ Balances between US$100,000 and US$199,999.99 earn 3.7% APY, and balances under US$100,000 earn 3.49% APY. The account has no monthly maintenance fee and no minimum balance requirement.

Prime Alliance is a smaller, Utah-based institution that focuses on business-specific treasury services for companies that don't need frequent branch access. The account allows unlimited deposits and up to six withdrawals or transfers per month, in line with traditional savings account limits. It fits owners who care more about the return on a large, static reserve than a long-standing national brand name.

Pros

• Competitive 3.9% APY for businesses with high-tier balances

• No monthly maintenance fees or ongoing minimum balance requirements

• Mobile check deposit included via the digital banking app

• Unlimited deposits each month

Cons

• Yield drops to 3.49% APY for balances under US$100,000

• US$10 fee for withdrawal transactions exceeding the six-per-month limit

• Top 3.9% APY requires a balance of US$200,000 or more

Best for enhanced security: Live Oak Bank

Our take

Live Oak Bank's Business Savings account pays 2.75% APY with no monthly maintenance fees and no minimum opening deposit.⁴ Through the IntraFi network, Live Oak gives business customers access to millions of dollars in aggregate FDIC insurance coverage. IntraFi spreads the funds across other network banks in amounts under the US$250,000 FDIC maximum.

That setup spares a business with multimillion-dollar reserves from managing dozens of bank relationships to reach the same coverage. Live Oak also offers US-based Customer Success Managers by phone. They take calls Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. ET.

Pros

• Millions in aggregate FDIC coverage via IntraFi

• No monthly maintenance fees or minimum opening deposits

• Dedicated, US-based phone support during extended business hours

Cons

• Lower APY (2.75%) compared to top-tier digital competitors

• Customer support runs Monday through Friday only, with no weekend hours

Best for cashback debit card: Grasshopper Bank Innovator Money Market Savings

Our take

Grasshopper Bank's Innovator Money Market Savings account pays 3.25% APY on balances of US$25,000 or more, and the rate drops to 1.55% APY below that threshold.⁵ The account has no monthly maintenance fee and needs a US$100 minimum deposit to open. Grasshopper last set these rates on October 13, 2026.

Grasshopper pairs the account with Innovator Business Checking which offers free, unlimited ACH transfers and a QuickBooks integration. Checking accounts that keep a US$10,000 average monthly balance earn 1% cash back on qualifying debit card purchases. Grasshopper also provides Autobooks for automated invoicing. Its read-only MCP Server, which is in beta, lets clients analyze their account data with AI tools.

Pros

• 3.25% APY on balances of US$25,000 or more

• No monthly maintenance fees

• Low US$100 minimum opening deposit

• 1% cash back on qualifying debit spending at a US$10,000 average checking balance, plus QuickBooks integration

Cons

• Rate drops to 1.55% APY for balances below US$25,000

• No transactional features in this savings-only product

Best for business checking: Bluevine

Our take

Bluevine pays interest on business checking across three tiers, with Standard at 1.3% APY on balances up to US$250,000 for accounts that meet a monthly activity requirement.⁶ The Plus plan pays 1.75% APY on balances up to US$250,000 for a waivable US$30 monthly fee. The Premier plan pays 3% APY on every dollar and costs US$95 a month.

Bluevine waives the Premier fee for businesses that keep a US$100,000 average daily balance across checking and sub-accounts. The business must also spend at least US$5,000 a month on its Bluevine Business Debit Mastercard. The Standard plan includes up to 5 sub-accounts, the Plus plan includes up to 10, and the Premier plan includes up to 50, each with its own account number. The sub-accounts support the "Profit First" accounting method which separates funds for taxes, payroll, and inventory while each balance keeps earning interest.

Pros

• 3% APY on every dollar in a Premier checking account, with no balance cap on interest

• 5 sub-accounts on Standard, 10 on Plus, 50 on Premier

• Enhanced FDIC coverage up to US$3 million through sweep program

• Native integration with QuickBooks and Xero

Cons

• US$95 monthly fee for Premier plan (waivable at a US$100,000 balance and US$5,000 in monthly debit card spend)

• Standard (Free) plan earns lower 1.3% APY

• Cash deposits cost up to US$4.95 at Green Dot retailers, or US$1 plus 0.5% at Allpoint+ ATMs

> Learn more about Bluevine vs Airwallex

Best for unlimited withdrawals: U.S. Bank Platinum Business Money Market

Our take

U.S. Bank's Platinum Business Money Market account pays new accounts 3.82% APY on balances from US$50,000 to US$999,999.99. New accounts with balances from US$1,000,000 to US$2,999,999.99 earn 4.08% APY.⁷ Balances under US$50,000 earn 0.05% APY, and balances of US$3,000,000 or more earn 1.15% APY. U.S. Bank publishes these rates by ZIP code, and they may vary by location.

The account costs US$15 per statement cycle and U.S. Bank waives that fee with a US$10,000 minimum daily balance. It opens with US$25 and the first 25 deposit transactions per statement cycle are free. Each additional deposit costs US$0.25. Businesses can withdraw funds anytime without limitations or penalties and interest accrues daily and pays monthly.

Pros

• Special 4.08% APY on balances from US$1,000,000 to US$2,999,999.99

• Withdrawals anytime without limitations or penalties

• Low US$25 minimum opening deposit

Cons

• 0.05% APY on balances under US$50,000

• US$15 monthly maintenance fee below a US$10,000 minimum daily balance

• Special rates apply to new accounts and vary by location

Best for relationship banking: Piermont Bank Business Money Market

Our take

Piermont Bank's Business Money Market account pays 3.75% APY on balances of US$50,000 or more when the business also opens a funded business checking account.⁸ Balances from US$20,000 to US$49,999.99 earn 3.25% APY and balances below US$20,000 earn 0.75% APY. Without the checking account, the money market account earns 3.25% APY. Piermont lists these APYs as effective June 15, 2026, for new customers only.

Piermont assigns each client a named relationship manager with direct phone and email access instead of a call center. The account has no minimum to open and costs US$25 a month unless it keeps a US$1,000 average monthly balance. Standard FDIC coverage is US$250,000 per depositor, per ownership category. Multimillion-dollar coverage requires separate enrollment in IntraFi's ICS deposit product.

Pros

• 3.75% APY on balances of US$50,000 or more with a business checking account

• Named relationship manager with direct phone and email access

• No minimum opening deposit

Cons

• 3.25% APY without a business checking account

• 0.75% APY on balances below US$20,000

• US$25 monthly fee below a US$1,000 average monthly balance

Best for multimillion-dollar balances: First Internet Bank Money Market Savings

Our take

First Internet Bank's Money Market Savings account pays 2.94% APY on daily balances of US$5,000,000 or below and 3.88% APY on daily balances above US$5,000,000.⁹ The account opens with US$100 and costs US$5 a month unless it keeps a US$4,000 average daily balance. First Internet Bank last updated these rates on October 16, 2026, and can change them on any day.

First Internet Bank operates online, with mobile tools for internal and external transfers and check deposits. Savings account holders also get Zelle for business. The bank offers secure, read-only access that connects banking data to AI tools for analysis.

Pros

• 3.88% APY on daily balances above US$5,000,000

• Zelle access for business savings account holders

• Low US$100 minimum opening deposit

Cons

• 2.94% APY on daily balances of US$5,000,000 or below

• US$5 monthly maintenance fee below a US$4,000 average daily balance

• ATM card available to sole proprietors only

Best for flat-rate yield: nbkc bank Business Money Market

Our take

nbkc bank's Business Money Market account pays 2.75% APY on all balances, with rates effective as of November 2, 2026.¹⁰ The account has no minimum balance requirement and no monthly service fee. nbkc sets the APY at its discretion and can change it without prior notice.

nbkc charges US$0 for overdrafts, online banking, bill pay, mobile check deposit, and incoming domestic wires. The bank is based in Kansas City. Business owners can talk to an nbkc banker by phone, email, or in person.

Pros

• 2.75% APY on every balance tier

• US$0 to open and no minimum balance

• Free incoming domestic wires

Cons

• Flat 2.75% APY below the top tiered rates in this list

• US$5 fee per outgoing domestic wire and US$45 per outgoing international wire

• Variable APY that nbkc can change without prior notice

Methodology for ranking the best high-yield business savings accounts

This ranking compared each provider's rate page, fee schedule, and account disclosures. Each account was scored on the criteria below. Airwallex publishes this article and scored Airwallex Yield against the same criteria as every other account here.

• Rates: the published APY or return, the balance tier it applies to, and whether it's a promotional rate

• Account costs: monthly fees, opening deposits, and minimum balances

• Deposit insurance: a direct bank deposit, sweep coverage through a network such as IntraFi, or a money market fund outside FDIC insurance, plus the coverage cap

• Access: withdrawal limits, wire fees, and how fast funds move back to checking

• Integrations: accounting tools such as QuickBooks and Xero

Understanding high-yield business savings accounts

What is a high-yield business savings account?

A high-yield business savings account (HYSA) is a federally insured deposit account specifically designed for legal entities rather than individuals. These accounts offer an Annual Percentage Yield (APY) that is several times higher than the national average. Unlike a business checking account, which banks optimize for high-volume transactions and which often pays zero interest, a high-yield savings account acts as a secure repository for idle capital that a business doesn't immediately need for daily operations.

How compounding works

The true power of a high-yield account lies in the compounding of interest. Compounding occurs when a bank adds the interest earned on the principal back to the balance, which means the balance earns interest on its interest in the next period.

To understand the impact, consider a business with US$250,000 in idle cash:

• Legacy Account (0.01%): The business earns roughly US$25 per year.

• High-Yield Account (3.75%): The business earns US$9,375 per year.

Over a 10-year period, with interest compounded daily and credited monthly, that US$250,000 in the high-yield account would grow to about US$363,000. In contrast, the legacy account would still sit at roughly US$250,250.

Types of yield accounts

Businesses have several ways to earn a return on their cash, each with different risk and liquidity profiles. A complete types of business accounts guide explains how these vehicles fit into a business's overall strategy:

1. High-Yield Savings Accounts (HYSA): These provide high rates and FDIC insurance but typically offer very limited transactional features. Transfers usually take 1-2 business days.

2. Money Market Accounts (MMA): These bridge the gap between checking and savings. They often come with a debit card or limited check-writing privileges, but usually require higher minimum balances.

3. Treasury-Linked Yield Products: These are modern products such as Airwallex Yield. Rather than holding a traditional bank deposit, these products place funds in short-term money market funds. While they are not FDIC-insured, these funds focus on stability and quick access and often offer better liquidity (T+0 settlement) than traditional bank savings.

Benefits and risks of high-yield business savings accounts for US businesses

Capital preservation and the inflation hedge

The primary benefit of a high-yield account is capital preservation. Inflation erodes the purchasing power of cash over time. If a business earns 0% on its cash while inflation is 2.5%, the company is effectively losing 2.5% of its value every year. By utilizing a yield product or high-interest account, a business can maintain its purchasing power and ensure reserves remain productive.

Operational liquidity and agility

A major misconception among small business owners is that high-yield means "locked away." In reality, modern digital platforms allow for extreme agility. Fintech products such as Airwallex Yield offer 1 to 2 business hour settlement windows, providing a significant advantage for businesses that need to pivot their capital quickly for payroll or vendor invoices.

The risk of "hidden cost erosion"

The most common risk associated with these accounts is the erosion of returns through secondary fees. Many traditional banks offer "high-yield" accounts that include:

• Monthly fees: These can range from US$10 to US$95, often requiring a massive balance to waive.

• Transaction fees: Many banks still limit withdrawals to six per month and charge US$10 to US$25 for every transaction thereafter.

• Wire transfer costs: While digital banks might offer free incoming wires, traditional banks might charge US$15 per wire, which quickly eats into interest earned.

How to choose the best high-yield business savings accounts

When selecting an account, a finance leader must look beyond the headline rate and consider how the account integrates into their operational workflow.

APY triggers and tiered structures

It is vital to check the requirements for earning the top rate. Some banks require a US$200,000 balance to hit their maximum APY while others offer a promotional boost that expires after six months. A business's typical cash balance should align with the bank's highest tier, or the business risks earning a baseline rate of 0.25%.

Liquidity settlement times

Not all liquid accounts are created equal. The current standard for digital banking is T+1 (next business day settlement). However, for businesses with tight margins, T+0 settlement is the gold standard. Airwallex Yield offers 1 to 2 business hour settlement windows, a critical edge for teams managing active cross-border operations.

Multi-currency needs

A business that collects revenue in EUR, GBP, or AUD has to account for the cost of conversion. Moving foreign currency into a USD-denominated account incurs an FX markup that varies by provider. A platform such as Airwallex, which holds 20+ currencies and earns returns on USD balances natively, solves this "hidden tax" problem.

FDIC coverage through sweep networks

Sweep networks such as IntraFi's ICS split a large deposit into amounts under the US$250,000 FDIC limit and place them at other banks in the network, which gives a business millions in FDIC coverage through one bank relationship.¹¹ Axos extends coverage up to US$265 million through ICS, Bluevine offers up to US$3 million, and Piermont requires separate enrollment in IntraFi's ICS product. A business that enrolls in a sweep program should confirm which rate applies to swept balances because a bank's sweep product and its headline savings APY are separate offers.

How to apply for a high-yield business savings account

Most online-only providers have streamlined the application process for business accounts into a fully digital experience that takes minutes. The guide on how to open a business bank account gives a step-by-step breakdown of the process.

The documentation checklist

Opening an account typically requires the "holy trinity" of business documentation:

1. Legal formation documents: Articles of Incorporation, Articles of Organization (for LLCs), or a Partnership Agreement.

2. Tax identification: An IRS EIN Confirmation Letter (Form CP-575 or 147C).

3. Personal identification: Government-issued photo IDs (passports or driver's licenses) for all beneficial owners, any individual with more than a 25% ownership stake.

Most digital providers use secure biometric verification and automated checks, allowing for account approval in one to three business days.

Alternatives to high-yield business savings accounts

While HYSAs are the most popular choice for capital growth, several alternatives suit specific business models, including the best business accounts for eCommerce:

• Business certificates of deposit (CDs): If a business holds a large sum of cash it won't need for 12 months, a CD can lock in a high rate. This protects the business if the Federal Reserve cuts rates.

• Shopify Balance: For eCommerce merchants, Shopify Balance offers an earnings rate incentive of 3.54% for Shopify Plus members and 2.52% on standard plans, paid as a variable reward rather than interest. This is useful as it avoids the need to transfer funds out of the sales platform.

• Local credit unions: These non-profit cooperatives often return profits to members in the form of higher savings rates and lower loan interest.

• Payment processor "Balance" products: Platforms such as Square have begun offering yield-bearing balance products to keep returns on daily sales volume within the payment gateway.

Frequently asked questions about high-yield business savings accounts

What is the difference between a business savings account and a money market account?

A business savings account is primarily a vehicle for storage and growth with limited transactional capability. A money market account (MMA) is a hybrid that often includes check-writing privileges and a debit card, but it typically requires higher minimum balances to avoid fees.

What is considered a good interest rate for business savings?

In the current rate environment, a business savings or money market rate above 3% APY counts as competitive, with leading options paying up to 4.08% APY on balances of US$1,000,000 or more.

Can I open a high-yield business savings account with an EIN only?

No, a business can't open a high-yield business savings account with an EIN only. While an EIN is required, banking regulations require the verification of the actual humans behind the entity. Banks always require personal identification for owners and authorized signers to comply with KYC and AML laws.

Are high-yield business savings accounts safe?

Yes, high-yield business savings accounts are safe as long as the FDIC (for banks) or NCUA (for credit unions) insures the institution. This insurance protects a business's principal balance up to US$250,000 per depositor, per institution, even if the bank fails.

How can a business get more than US$250,000 in FDIC insurance coverage?

Businesses can use sweep programs offered by institutions such as Live Oak, Axos, or Bluevine. These programs automatically distribute a business's funds across a network of separate banks, providing millions of dollars in total FDIC coverage under a single login.

Sources 1. https://www.fdic.gov/national-rates-and-rate-caps 2. https://www.axosbank.com/business/savings/business-savings-accounts/business-premium-savings 3. https://www.primealliance.bank/business-savings 4. https://www.liveoak.bank/business-savings/ 5. https://www.grasshopper.bank/banking-solutions/small-business-checking/ 6. https://www.bluevine.com/business-checking 7. https://www.usbank.com/business-banking/business-bank-accounts/business-savings/business-money-market-accounts/platinum-business-money-market-account.html 8. https://www.piermontbank.com/campaignmma/ 9. https://www.firstib.com/business/savings/ 10. https://www.nbkc.com/business/money-market 11. https://www.intrafi.com/ics-cdars